ULB-362

ULB362/PL
Series Underwater
Locator Beacon

User’s Manual
May 2015
P/N: 362-17001-A

RJE INTERNATIONAL, INC.

RJE INTERNATIONAL, INC

15375 Barranca Parkway Suite I-112
Irvine, California, 92618 U.S.A.
www.rjeint.com

Tel: +1-949-727-9399
Fax: +1-949-727-0070
e-mail: [email protected]
ULB-362 Underwater Locator Beacon i

Preface
This manual describes the installation and operation of the ULB-362
Series Underwater Locator Beacons used for marking underwater
locations, equipment and subsea vehicles. This manual is divided into the
following six sections:

1 Description
2 Specifications
3 Installation and Checkout
4 Beacon Maintenance
5 Return Procedures
6 Warranty

Proprietary Information
The information, description, and illustrations in this manual are the
property of RJE International, Inc. Materials may not be reproduced or
disseminated without the prior written consent of RJE International, Inc.

Changes
RJE International, Inc. reserves the right to make changes to meet new
specifications at any time without incurring any obligation to modify
previously installed units. This manual is provided for informational and
reference purposes only and is subject to change without notice.

Notes and Warnings

Where applicable, special notes and warnings are presented as follows:

NOTE: A reminder to check that certain criteria are met before

proceeding further in a step or sequence.

WARNING: A reminder that dangerous consequences could result if

certain recommended procedures are not followed

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Table of Contents
1 Description ....................................................................................................................1

External Construction ..........................................................................................2

Internal Construction ...........................................................................................3

Theory of Operation ..............................................................................................3

Locating the Beacon ............................................................................................3

2 Specifications ..............................................................................................................4

3 Installation and Checkout .....................................................................................5

Installation Considerations ...............................................................................5

Installation Procedures for ULB-362 and ULB362-02 Mounting

Bracket ...............................................................................................................................6

Installation Procedures for ULB-362/PL ......................................................8

Pre-Deployment Tests..........................................................................................9
Using ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set with the ULB-362B ................................................9
Using ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set with the ULB-362PL/B37 ..................................... 10
ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set Service ........................................................................... 11
Alternative Battery Check ........................................................................................ 11
4 Beacon Maintenance.............................................................................................. 13

Beacon Cleaning .................................................................................................. 13

Beacon Maintenance Precautions ............................................................... 13

Battery Maintenance .......................................................................................... 13

Tooling Requirements for Battery Replacement........................................................ 14
Beacon Disposal ................................................................................................... 14

5 Return Procedures .................................................................................................. 15

6 Warranty ....................................................................................................................... 16

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ULB-362 Underwater Locator Beacon iii

List of Figures
Figure 1-1 ULB-362B/37 ...........................................................................................................1
Figure 1-2 Installed in Mounting Bracket .................................................................................2
Figure 1-3 Dimensions ...............................................................................................................2
Figure 1-4 Locating the ULB-362 After Water Activation .........................................................3
Figure 3-1 Mounting Bracket Hole Pattern ...............................................................................6
Figure 3-2 Securing the Mounting Bracket ...............................................................................7
Figure 3-3 Installing the Beacon into the Mounting Bracket ....................................................7
Figure 3-4 Wiring Diagram of the ULB-362PL/B37 .................................................................8
Figure 3-5 Connecting the ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set ............................................................ 11

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1 Description
The ULB-362 Series Underwater Locator Beacons are durable, water-activated,
underwater location aids. A Power Loss version is also available. The ULB-362
series beacons can also be order in several frequencies, 27kHz, 37.5kHz and
45kHz. The beacons transmit an acoustic signal once every second after
activation. The acoustic output for the 30 day battery will remain above 157.0 dB
for 30 days.

RJE International, Inc. also offers a standard mounting bracket (P/N B362-
05591). The bracket allows the beacon to be securely mounted (Please contact
RJE International, Inc. if the mounting bracket does not meet your needs). The
ULB-362 beacon is shown in Figure1-1. The beacon is also shown installed in its
standard mounting bracket in Figure 1-2, and a dimensional outline of the beacon
is shown in Figure 1-3.

This section provides a general descriptive overview of the beacon, its theory of
operation, and use.

Figure 1-1 ULB-362B/37

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Figure 1-2 Installed in Mounting Bracket

External Construction
The beacon is contained in a water-tight aluminum case capable of
withstanding high-impact shock and deep-water immersion. As shown in
Figure 1-2, one of the end caps has a water-activated built in switch that
causes the beacon to begin transmitting when the switch comes in contact
with water.

Figure 1-3 Dimensions

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Internal Construction
The major internal components of the beacon include a printed circuit board
assembly, a urethane-encapsulated transducer assembly, and a battery. The
battery is contained in its own, separate, user accessible compartment.

Theory of Operation
The printed circuit board assembly generates all the necessary logic functions
to produce a pulse with the desired characteristics. The pulse is then
transformed from a CMOS level square wave to a much larger sinusoidal
pulse by a transformer. The output of the transformer drives the urethane-
encapsulated transducer, which propagates through the housing in the form
of a tuned acoustic signal based on the frequency of the beacon (27kHz,
37.5kHz, or 45kHz).

Locating the Beacon

When the beacon is immersed in water, it will begin to radiate an acoustic
signal which can be received and transformed into a visual signal by using the
RJE International, Inc. STI-350, DTI-300A, VADR-1000M, or VADR6000M
Acoustic Receivers. When using the STI-350 Surface Acoustic Receiver, the
general vicinity of the ULB-362 beacon can be located from shipboard. After
the area is known, a diver can be deployed with the DTI-300A diver acoustic
receiver, which will give the exact location of the beacon. When recovery is
too deep for diver operations, a VADR receiver, mounted on a ROV, can be
used. Other equivalent pinger receivers may also be used to relocate the
ULB-362 beacon.

Figure 1-4 Locating the ULB-362 After Water Activation

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2 Specifications
ULB-362B/27, ULB-362B/37, Specifications ULB-362PL/B37
ULB-362B/45

27, 37.5, 45 kHz, + 1 kHz Operating Frequency: 37.5 kHz, + 1 kHz

0 to 20,000 feet (6,096 meters) Operating Depth: 0 to 20,000 feet (6,096 meters)

≥ 9 ms Pulse Length: ≥ 9 ms

B362-B30-01 Battery Kit: B362-B30-01

Incl. battery, o-ring, lube & inst. Incl. battery, o-ring, lube & inst.

≥ 30 days Operating Life: ≥ 30 days

6 years from date of Battery Storage Life in 6 years from date of

manufacture Beacon: manufacture

≥ 160.5 dB re 1 µPa @ 1 Acoustic Output: ≥ 160.5 dB re 1 µPa @ 1

meter meter

Water immersion Activation: Water immersion and closure

of external relay through a
connector on beacon

80% sphere Beam Pattern: 80% sphere

1.30 in. (3.30 cm) diameter Case Size: 1.30 in. (3.30 cm) diameter
3.92 in (10 cm) long 3.92 in (10 cm) long

7075 T6 aluminum Case Material: 7075 T6 aluminum

5.95 oz. (168g) Maximum Weight: 7.00 oz. (198g) Maximum

-55ºC (-67ºF) to 71ºC (160ºF) Storage Temperature: -55ºC (-67ºF) to 71ºC (160ºF)
-2ºC (28ºF) to 38ºC (100ºF) Operating Temperature: -2ºC (28ºF) to 38ºC (100ºF)

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3 Installation and Checkout

This section encompasses the installation considerations and procedures for
mounting the beacon using the mounting bracket kit, and a pre-deployment test
that can be conducted using a RJE International, Inc. ATS-260 Acoustic Test set.

Installation Considerations
To minimize the probability of physical damage or inadvertent activation, the
following precautions should be considered when mounting the beacon:
The beacon should normally be mounted in to a sturdy structure without
weakening the structure itself.

The beacon should be mounted in an area guarded against heavy

equipment tearing loose and striking the beacon and should be mounted in
a way that provides convenient access during regular inspections and tests.

The beacon should be mounted in an area where sound absorbent

materials are not present. Avoid affixing labels to the beacon or any other
material that would affect the acoustic beam.

The shelf life of the battery will be decreased when exposure to higher
than normal temperatures. The maximum temperature where the beacon
is mounted should not exceed 71ºC (160º F).

Nonconformance to the mounting instructions or intended use may void

the warranty.

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Installation Procedures for ULB-362 and

ULB362-02 Mounting Bracket
Carefully unpack the beacon and inspect it for shipping damage. If any
damage is evident, it should be reported to the freight carrier and to RJE
International, Inc. If ordered, the mounting bracket kit includes an aluminum-
mounting bracket, an aluminum end plate, three drilled (for lockwire) socket
head cap screws, and three lock washers.

NOTE: Before installing the mounting bracket, be sure that it will be

possible to install and remove the beacon once the bracket is
installed.

To mount the beacon, perform the following steps:

1. Ensure the beacon is mounted in the vehicle so that it has a clear path to send
the acoustic signal. Avoid mounted it behind other equipment.

2. Mount the beacon with the water switch down to prevent accidental activation.

3. Refer to the mounting bracket hole pattern shown in Figure 3-1 and drill four
0.191 in (0.48 cm) diameter holes.

4. Secure the mounting bracket with four 10-32 stainless steel screws and
associated hardware (not supplied) as shown in Figure 3-2.

5. Slide the beacon into the bracket as shown in Figure 3-3. Rotate the beacon
until the battery date is visible and secure it in place with the end plate and the
three drilled socket head cap screws.

6. Lockwire the drilled screws and clean the water activation switch (refer to section
4 Beacon Cleaning).

Figure 3-1 Mounting Bracket Hole Pattern

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Figure 3-2 Securing the Mounting Bracket

Figure 3-3 Installing the Beacon into the Mounting Bracket

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Installation Procedures for ULB-362/PL

Carefully unpack the beacon and inspect it for shipping damage. If any
damage is evident, it should be reported to the freight carrier and to RJE
International, Inc.

To mount the beacon, perform the following steps:

1. Ensure the beacon is mounted in the vehicle so that it has a clear path to send
the acoustic signal. Avoid mounted it behind other equipment.

2. Mount the beacon with the water switch down to prevent accidental activation.

3. Male E/O Pigtail Connector, Provided with the unit, is wired to Vehicle’s
electronics module through a penetrator.

4. A ‘normally closed’ electrical relay is installed in electronics module of the

Vehicle. This relay is wired to the vehicle’s power supply. (see below diagram)

Figure 3-4 Wiring Diagram of the ULB-362PL/B37

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Pre-Deployment Tests
A pre-deployment test on each beacon should be performed before and after
mounting using the RJE International, Inc. Short out the water switch and use a
acoustic pinger receiver to determine if the beacon is functioning.

For the ULB-362B series beacon, the ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set can be used to
check both the beacon’s battery condition and operation. Also, an alternative
method using a digital voltmeter can be used to check the beacon’s battery
condition.

Using ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set with the ULB-362B

To use the ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set to verify the battery condition and test the
operations of the beacon, use the following procedure:

1. Place the clip for the test set on the housing of the beacon as shown
in Figure 3-5. If using the B362-05591 channel mount, it is not
necessary to remove the beacon to conduct the test.

2. Place the test set probe on the water activation switch as shown in
Figure 3-5.

3. Hold down the button labeled PUSH TO TEST on the test set handle.

4. Check the beacon battery condition by observing the green and red
indicators on the test set.

If the green indicator is lit, the battery is good.

If the red indicator is lit, the battery should be replaced.

(See Alternate Battery Check, page 10)

5. Check the beacon operating condition by listening for an audible tone

from the test set and /or observing the amber indicator.

If there is an audible tone and /or the amber indicator is

flashing, the beacon is operating properly.

If there is no audible tone and the amber indicator is not

flashing, the beacon is not operating properly.

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Using ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set with the ULB-362PL/B37

To use the ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set to verify the battery condition and test the
operations of the beacon, use the following procedure:

1. Place the clip for the test set on the housing of the beacon as shown
in Figure 3-4. If using the B362-05591 channel mount, it is not
necessary to remove the beacon to conduct the test.

2. Close the contacts that short the two conductors of the pig-tale
connector to indicate a ‘loss-of-power’ as shown in fig 3-5. If the pig-
tale is not wired to the vehicle, short the two conductors.

3. Place the test set probe on the water activation switch as shown in
Figure 3-5.

4. Hold down the button labeled PUSH TO TEST on the test set handle.

5. Check the beacon battery condition by observing the green and red
indicators on the test set.

If the green indicator is lit, the battery is good.

If the red indicator is lit, the battery should be replaced.

(See Alternate Battery Check, page 11)

6. Check the beacon operating condition by listening for an audible tone

from the test set and /or observing the amber indicator.

If there is an audible tone and /or the amber indicator is

flashing, the beacon is operating properly.

If there is no audible tone and the amber indicator is not

flashing, the beacon is not operating properly.

NOTE: If the beacon does not operate properly, return it RJE International,
Inc. for service. (See Section 5 Return Procedures
for instructions on how to return the beacon.)

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Figure 3-5 Connecting the ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set

ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set Service

The ATS-260 Acoustic Test Set is factory calibrated at the date of manufacture,
and must be recalibrated every 36 months. When the "Push to Test" button is
pressed and no light illuminates or is dim, the ATS-260 must be serviced. (See
Section 5 Return Procedures for instructions on how to return the test set.)

Alternative Battery Check

In addition to using the test set to check the beacon’s battery condition, a high-
impedance (minimum input impedance of 10 Megohms) digital voltmeter can be
used to measure the battery voltage. Use the following procedure to measure
the battery voltage:

1. Place the negative meter lead on the water activation switch.

2. Place the positive meter lead on any exposed surface of the housing.

Note: if testing a ULB-362PL/B37, the Pig-Tale conductors need to be

shorted together.

3. Read the voltmeter.

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If the voltmeter reading is 6.0 volts or more, the beacon has

sufficient operating power.

If the voltmeter reading is 6.0 volts, battery needs to be replaced.

Follow procedures included the B362-B30-01 Battery Kit.

WARNING: Failure to observe these precautions could result in the release

of hazardous chemicals.

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4 Beacon Maintenance
This section covers the cleaning, recommended testing interval, disposal,
storage procedures, and battery replacement for the ULB-362 Series
Underwater Locator Beacons.

Beacon Cleaning
The end cap with the water switch should remain free and clear of dirt,
grease, and dust. The beacon should be cleaned with a mild detergent and
dried thoroughly with a clean cloth. This process should be repeated
periodically depending on the local environment.

Beacon Maintenance Precautions

The following precautions should be exercised when handling or storing the
beacon:

The beacon should not be exposed to temperatures in excess of

71ºC (160ºF), as the battery life can be reduced by storage in a high
temperature environment.

Any situation that could possibly crush or penetrate the case of the
beacon should be avoided.

Battery Maintenance
The shelf life on the ULB-362 beacon is six (6) years. The standard
operational life of the beacon is thirty (30) days of continuous use and it is
recommended that the battery be replaced after every deployment.

When deploying an ULB-362PL/37 power loss beacon on a vehicle, replace

the battery on or before the date stamped on the beacon label.

When replacing the battery on ULB-362 beacon, please follow the chart
below for selecting the proper Battery Kit.

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Beacon Part Number Battery Kit Part Number

ULB-362/18, ULB-362/37, ULB-362/27, ULB-362/45, ULB- B362-A30-01
362PL/27, ULB-362PL/37, ULB-362A/27, ULB-362A/37
ULB-362B/27, ULB-362B/37, ULB-372B/45, ULB- B362-B30-01
362PL/B37

WARNING: Hazardous chemicals are used in the beacon battery. Dispose

of the battery in accordance with local regulations.

Use the battery replacement procedure provided with the lithium battery
replacement kit P/N B362-B30-01 or B362-A30-01.

Tooling Requirements for Battery Replacement

Item Part Number

1/2” Box End
Commercially Available
Wrench
Torque Adapter B362-09111
ATS-260 Test Set 362-00013

Beacon Disposal
If it is necessary to dispose of the beacon, perform the Alternative Battery
Check referenced in Section 3 of this User’s Manual first.
If the battery voltage is 6.0 volts or more, remove the battery and dispose of
the battery and beacon in accordance with local regulations.
If the battery voltage is less than 6.0 volts, DO NOT remove the battery
access end cap and dispose of the beacon in accordance with local
regulations.

WARNING: Failure to observe these precautions could result in the release

of hazardous chemicals.

Beacon Storage
When long-term storage is required, the beacon should be stored in a cool,
dry environment in its original shipping container.

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5 Return Procedures
If you need to return an ULB-362 Underwater Locator Beacon for warranty
service, contact RJE International, Inc. for a Case Number and shipping
instructions.

RJE International, Inc.

Tel: +1-949-727-9399
Fax: +1-949-727-0070
e-mail: [email protected]

You will need to provide the following information to receive a Case Number:

Reason for return

Number of beacons to be returned
Serial number of each unit
Shipping method, if applicable

NOTE: Do not ship a beacon without a Case Number.

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6 Warranty
LIMITED WARRANTY. RJE International, Inc. warrants that the products sold hereunder shall be free
from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service when correctly installed, used
and maintained for a period of 12 months from date of shipment from RJE International, Inc. Purchaser’s
receipt of any product delivered hereunder shall be an unqualified acceptance of and a waiver by
Purchaser of the right of Purchaser to make a claim with respect to such product unless Purchaser gives
RJE International, Inc. notice of any claim within 12 months after the receipt of such product. This
warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the said product at RJE International, Inc. plant in Irvine,
California, providing the product was not abused or operated other than in accordance with the RJE
International, Inc. instruction manuals. RJE International, Inc. does not assume responsibility for any
damage due to leakage or implosion. RJE International, Inc. reserves the right to modify its warranty at
any time, in its sole discretion. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. RJE INTERNATIONAL, INC. MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY

REGARDING ITS PRODUCTS OR THE PRODUCTS OF OTHERS EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED;
AND, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE WHICH EXCEEDS THE FORGOING WARRANTIES IS HEREBY DISCLAIMED BY RJE
INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND EXCLUDED FROM ANY AGREEMENT MADE BY ACCEPTANCE OF ANY
ORDER. RJE INTERNATIONAL, INC. DOES NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY BEYOND THE REMEDIES SET
FORTH HEREIN INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY FOR PRODUCTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR USE OR
FOR LOST OR CORRUPTED DATA, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF USE OF
THE PRODUCT OR ANY ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, COST OF CAPITAL, COST OF SUBSTITUTE
OR REPLACEMENT PRODUCT, FACILITIES OR SERVICES, DOWN-TIME, CHARGES FOR
PURCHASER’S TIME AND EFFORT, THE CLAIMS OF THIRD PARTIES, INJURY TO PROPERTY, OR
ANY OTHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, RELIANCE, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, REGARDLESS OF THE NATURE OF THE CLAIM AND WHETHER OR NOT
FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT BASED ON BREACH OF WARRANTY, CONTRACT OR
TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR STRICT LIABILITY, EVEN IF RJE INTERNATIONAL, INC. HAS
BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY THIRD
PARTY EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN.
THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY APPLIES BOTH TO PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AND SUPPORT
PROVIDED PURCHASER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR
ADVICE GIVEN BY RJE INTERNATIONAL, INC., ITS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES SHALL CREATE A
WARRANTY OR IN ANY WAY INCREASE THE SCOPE OF THE LIMITED WARRANTY PROVIDED
ABOVE. ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OF RJE INTERNATIONAL, INC. IS EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO THE
PRICE PURCHASER HAS PAID FOR THE PRODUCTS. PURCHASER’S SOLE REMEDY AGAINST
RJE INTERNATIONAL, INC. IN ANY DISPUTE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE TO SEEK
RECOVERY OF THE AMOUNTS PURCHASER PAID, PURSUANT TO THE LIMITED WARRANTY
PROVIDED ABOVE, UPON THE PAYMENT OF WHICH RJE INTERNATIONAL, INC., ITS AGENTS
AND EMPLOYEES, AND AFFILIATES, WILL BE RELEASED FROM AND DISCHARGED OF ALL
FURTHER OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITY TO PURCHASER.

THE LIMITED WARRANTY OF RJE INTERNATIONAL, INC. GIVES PURCHASER SPECIFIC LEGAL
RIGHTS, AND PURCHASER MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM STATE TO
STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY
LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO
THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO PURCHASER.

User’s Manual May 2015